Occupation Location Research Articles

Partisan Politics in Finland

Abstract Traditionally, the Finnish party system has involved a high level of fragmentation yet remarkable stability, consensual decision-making, ideologically broad government coalitions, and mostly modest levels of polarization between parties or voters. These features suggest a limited effect of the party composition of government on economic policy. However, based on studies on close local elections, parliamentary speech, and party manifestos, we argue that the link between party politics and policy outcomes likely plays a role in Finland. Most analyses have examined the extent to which the characteristics of local politicians within the parties affect policy outcomes. These studies show that occupation, education, experience, competence, and residential location of local politicians strongly affect local policies, indicating that, in general, politics matters for policy. We also discuss how consensual national politics may have contributed to the recent success of the populist challenger Finns Party. As a new major player, the party has emphasized the role of sociocultural issues and especially affective polarization, which represents a considerable paradigm shift from the catch-all party policies typical of Finland for many decades. It is thus possible that the link between politics and policy will become more pronounced in the future, motivating further research.

Occurrence and human risk assessment of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in indoor dust from homes, schools and offices

This study investigates the current situation and possible health risks due to pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) including analgesics, antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, psychiatric and cardiovascular drugs, and metabolites, in indoor environments. To achieve this objective, a total of 85 dust samples were collected in 2022 from three different Spanish indoor environments: homes, classrooms, and offices. The analytical method was validated meeting SANTE/2020/12830 and SANTE/12682/2019 performance criteria. All indoor dust samples except one presented at least one PhAC. Although concentration levels ranged from < LOQ to 18 µg/g, only acetaminophen, thiabendazole, clotrimazole, and anhydroerythromycin showed quantification frequencies (Qf %) above 19% with median concentrations of 166 ng/g, 74 ng/g, 25 ng/g and 14 ng/g, respectively. The PhAC distribution between dust deposited on the floor and settled on elevated (> 0.5 m) surfaces was assessed but no significant differences (p > 0.05, Mann–Whitney U-test) were found. However, concentrations quantified at the three types of locations showed significant differences (p < 0.05, Kruskal–Wallis H-test). Homes turned out to be the indoor environment with higher pharmaceutical concentrations, especially acetaminophen (678 ng/g, median). The use of these medicines and their subsequent removal from the body were identified as the main PhAC sources in indoor dust. Relationships between occupant habits, building characteristics, and/or medicine consumption and PhAC concentrations were studied. Finally, on account of concentration differences, estimated daily intakes (EDIs) for inhalation, ingestion and dermal adsorption exposure pathways were calculated for toddlers, adolescents and adults in homes, classrooms and offices separately. Results proved that dust ingestion is the main route of exposure, contributing more than 99% in all indoor environments. Moreover, PhAC intakes for all studied groups, at occupational locations (classrooms and offices) are much lower than that obtained for homes, where hazard indexes (HIs) obtained for acetaminophen (7%—12%) and clotrimazole (4%-7%) at the worst scenario (P95) highlight the need for continuous monitoring.

A data-driven agent-based model of occupants’ thermal comfort behaviors for the planning of district-scale flexible work arrangements

In a global context of increasing flexibility in the way workplaces and the districts in which they are located are used, there is a need for occupant-driven approaches to plan urban energy systems. Several authors have suggested the use of agent-based models (ABM) of building occupants in urban building energy simulations due to their ability to reproduce emergent behaviors from individual agents’ actions. However, few works in the literature take full advantage of the ABM paradigm, accounting for both occupant presence and energy-relevant behaviors at the district scale. In this work, we propose a methodology to develop a data-driven, agent-based model of building occupants’ activities and thermal comfort in an urban district. Our methodology combines the use of campus-scale Wi-Fi data to derive feasible occupant activity and location plans, along with thermal preference profiles derived from a longitudinal field study where off-the-shelf, non-intrusive sensors were used to capture the right-here-right-now thermal preference of 35 participants in the same case study district. Our model is then used to explore how different district operation strategies could affect building energy performance in the context of increased workspace flexibility. Our results show that by providing a diversity of building operation conditions, with different buildings having different set point temperatures, occupants’ thermal comfort hours could be improved by an average of about 10% with little effect on district energy performance. Meanwhile, a 6%–15% average decrease in space cooling energy use intensity was observed when implementing occupant-driven ventilation and setpoint controls, regardless of location choice scenario.

Panama: An Analysis Of Class Location And Income Distribution

Abstract In this article, the theoretical perspective centered on “dynamic inequality” and inter-category or individual differences is questioned, while the structural approach of extra-categorical analysis is sustained as essential and pertinent to sociological discussions of inequality and, further, attributable to social class, rather than internal or individual differences as posited by some theorists of inequality. From this position, an attempt is made to offer a frame of reference for the analysis and understanding the distributive structure of income in contemporary Panama. Despite presenting one of the best positioned minimum wage and average income structures in Latin America, Panama occupies one of the worst income distributions in the region. The approach subscribed to in this investigation is based on the theoretical assumption that links the conditions of income inequality with the structures of occupation and class location of the workers. The purpose is to build an empirical model of class structures associated with the occupational categories of the workers and, from this, to analyze the trends in the distribution of income in the country. The data analysis was carried out based on the Labor Market Survey of the National Institute of Statistics and Census of the Comptroller General of the Republic for 2000 and 2021.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding zoonotic diseases among cat and dog owners in Bangladesh

The close relationship between human and companion animals like cats and dogs raises public health concerns regarding the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases in Bangladesh. The study aimed to evaluate the cat and dog owners' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and risk perception concerning zoonotic diseases for designing effective interventions and reducing disease transmission.A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 480 pet owners in various region of Bangladesh. For data collection, a structured, closed-ended questions were implemented. The data collection was anonymous and individuals were chosen through a random selection method. Responses were classified to evaluate comprehensive knowledge, using a threshold value of ≥65%. Quantitative score was created to measure Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices, and these scores were divided into categories of good and poor knowledge, positive and negative attitudes, as well as correct and incorrect practices. The analysis included the application of both descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis.The findings showed that females made up more than half of the survey participants (55.2%), with the predominant pet owned being cats (73.1%). Overall, only a small portion (21.25%) of the survey respondents demonstrated good knowledge about the topic as measured by a dichotomous outcome. A larger proportion of participants (84.58%) exhibited a positive attitude towards zoonotic diseases. However, when it came to correct practices, about one-third (29.79%) of performed satisfactorily. It is noteworthy that 90.4% of the participants exhibited a high level of understanding regarding the transmission of rabies through dog bites. The knowledge and practices of owners were markedly impacted by their education, occupation, and geographic location. Furthermore, 48.1% identified 'social media' as their primary source of information, and 80.0% regarded vaccination as a preventive measure.The study reveals gaps in knowledge and practices of risks regarding zoonotic diseases among pet owners in Bangladesh. It is crucial to implement focused educational initiatives and preventative measures to effectively tackle gaps in knowledge concerning zoonotic diseases and to avert potential infections.

Association between people’s attitudes towards human-elephant conflict and their locational, demographic, and socio-economic characteristics in Buxa Tiger Reserve and its adjoining area, India

“Human-elephant conflict (HEC)”, the alarming issue, in present day context has attracted the attention of environmentalists and policy makers. The rising conflict between human beings and wild elephants is common in Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) and its adjoining area in West Bengal State, India, making the area volatile. People’s attitudes towards elephant conservation activity are very crucial to get rid of HEC, because people’s proximity with wild elephants’ habitat can trigger the occurrence of HEC. The aim of this study is to conduct an in-depth investigation about the association of people’s attitudes towards HEC with their locational, demographic, and socio-economic characteristics in BTR and its adjoining area by using Pearson’s bivariate chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis. BTR is one of the constituent parts of Eastern Doors Elephant Reserve (EDER). We interviewed 500 respondents to understand their perceptions to HEC and investigated their locational, demographic, and socio-economic characteristics including location of village, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, caste, poverty level, education level, primary occupation, secondary occupation, household type, and source of firewood. The results indicate that respondents who are living in enclave forest villages (EFVs), peripheral forest villages (PFVs), corridor village (CVs), or forest and corridor villages (FCVs), mainly males, at the age of 18–48 years old, engaged with agriculture occupation, and living in kancha and mixed houses, have more likelihood to witness HEC. Besides, respondents who are illiterate or at primary education level are more likely to regard elephant as a main problematic animal around their villages and refuse to participate in elephant conservation activity. For the sake of a sustainable environment for both human beings and wildlife, people’s attitudes towards elephants must be friendly in a more prudent way, so that the two communities can live in harmony.

Exploring the Potential Link between PFAS Exposure and Endometrial Cancer: A Review of Environmental and Sociodemographic Factors.

This exploratory narrative review paper delves into the intricate interplay between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure, sociodemographic factors, and the influence of stressors in the context of endometrial cancer. PFAS, ubiquitous environmental contaminants notorious for their persistence in the ecosystem, have garnered attention for their potential to disrupt endocrine systems and provoke immune responses. We comprehensively examine the various sources of PFAS exposure, encompassing household items, water, air, and soil, thus shedding light on the multifaceted routes through which individuals encounter these compounds. Furthermore, we explore the influence of sociodemographic factors, such as income, education, occupation, ethnicity/race, and geographical location and their relationship to endometrial cancer risk. We also investigated the role of stress on PFAS exposure and endometrial cancer risk. The results revealed a significant impact of sociodemographic factors on both PFAS levels and endometrial cancer risk. Stress emerged as a notable contributing factor influencing PFAS exposure and the development of endometrial cancer, further emphasizing the importance of stress management practices for overall well-being. By synthesizing evidence from diverse fields, this review underscores the need for interdisciplinary research and targeted interventions to comprehensively address the complex relationship between PFAS, sociodemographic factors, stressors, and endometrial cancer.

Zonal demand-controlled ventilation strategy to minimize infection probability and energy consumption: A coordinated control based on occupant detection

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, an increased risk of airborne transmission has been experienced in buildings, particularly in confined public places. The need for ventilation as a means of infection prevention has become more pronounced given that some basic precautions (like wearing masks) are no longer mandatory. However, ventilating the space as a whole (e.g., using a unified ventilation rate) may lead to situations where there is either insufficient or excessive ventilation in localized areas, potentially resulting in localized virus accumulation or large energy consumption. It is of urgent need to investigate real-time control of ventilation systems based on local demands of the occupants to strike a balance between infection risk and energy saving. In this work, a zonal demand-controlled ventilation (ZDCV) strategy was proposed to optimize the ventilation rates in sub-zones. A camera-based occupant detection method was developed to detect occupants (with eight possible locations in sub-zones denoted as ‘A’ to ‘H’). Linear ventilation model (LVM), dimension reduction, and artificial neural network (ANN) were integrated for rapid prediction of pollutant concentrations in sub-zones with the identified occupants and ventilation rates as inputs. Coordinated ventilation effects between sub-zones were optimized to improve infection prevention and energy savings. Results showed that rapid prediction models achieved an average prediction error of 6 ppm for CO2 concentration fields compared with the simulation under different occupant scenarios (i.e., occupant locations at ABH, ABCFH, and ABCDEFH). ZDCV largely reduced the infection risk to 2.8% while improved energy-saving efficiency by 34% compared with the system using constant ventilation rate. This work can contribute to the development of building environmental control systems in terms of pollutant removal, infection prevention, and energy sustainability.

Generic geometrical parametric study of wind-driven natural ventilation to improve indoor air quality and air exchange in offices

Indoor air quality significantly enhances employee productivity and well-being in offices. Existing models and guidelines emphasize wind-driven natural ventilation for air exchange and thermal comfort but often overlook detailed airflow patterns. Understanding airflow dynamics is crucial for designing healthy offices, and offering insights into air exchange processes. This information is particularly valuable in mitigating the impact of CO2 and droplet release from multiple occupants, contributing to the creation of healthier office environments. This study, thus, employs a validated CFD model to investigate the impact of geometrical parameters on wind-driven ventilation in offices. With about 150 cases representing alterations in parameters for single-sided (SV) and double-sided (DV) ventilation, a sensitivity analysis identifies key contributors to airflow patterns. Eventually, while five major categories for the airflow patterns can be identified in the DV cases (i.e., (1) without a weak zone (WZ), (2) with a dominant WZ, (3) with a WZ on bottom side, (4) with a WZ on upper side, and (5) with two WZs on upper and bottom sides), a generic airflow pattern can be barely seen in the SV cases. Moreover, in the DV cases, velocity magnitude is crucial for classification of the outputs. The leeward window geometry influences DV natural ventilation more than the windward window. Furthermore, the room dimensions impact ACH more than SF6 concentration and velocity. In the SV cases, location of the infected occupant dominates air changes per hour (ACH), and theta significantly impacts average velocity in contrast to the DV scenarios.

Palaeoenvironmental data indicate late quaternary anthropogenic impacts on vegetation and landscapes in Mzimba, northern Malawi

Landscapes are formed by long-term interactions between the underlying geology and climatic, edaphic and biotic factors, including human activity. The Kasitu Valley in the Mzimba District of northern Malawi includes the Kasitu River and its adjacent floodplains and uplands, and it has been a location of sustained human occupation since at least 16 thousand years ago (ka) based on archaeological excavations from rockshelters. We trace the changing ecology and geomorphology of the region through soil stable isotopes (δ13C, δ 15N), microcharcoal and fossil pollen analysed from alluvial terraces dated by Optically Stimulated Luminescence, and wetland auger cores and archaeological sites dated by radiocarbon. Our results suggest that the region was primarily covered in mosaic forest at ca. 22.5 ka. Middle and Late Holocene samples (6.0–0.5 ka) show an increasingly open, herbaceous landscape over time with an inflection toward more abundant C4 vegetation after 2 ka. Significant upland erosion and terrace formation is also evidenced since 2 ka alongside high concentrations of microcharcoal, suggesting more intensive use of fire. Faecal biomarkers simultaneously indicate higher numbers of humans living adjacent to the archaeological site of Hora 1, which may be indicative of an overall population increase associated with the arrival of Iron Age agropastoralists. More recently, the introduction of exogenous commercial taxa such as Pinus sp. are correlated with regional afforestation in our proxy record. These results show increasing stepwise human impacts on the local environment, with deforestation and maintenance of open landscapes correlated with the regional introduction and intensification of agriculture during the Late Holocene.

Women's knowledge of symptoms of obstetric fistula, experiences, and associated factors in Sierra Leone.

Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth condition that results from prolonged obstructed labour without timely medical intervention, leading to a tear between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum. It is a public health issue, particularly in low-income countries with limited access to quality maternal healthcare. This study aims to assess knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula and its associated factors in Sierra Leone. Cross-sectional data from the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey was used for the study. Our study comprised 15,574 reproductive women aged 15 to 49. Using a four-modelled approach, a mixed-effect multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the factors associated with knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. The results were presented as adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. The proportion of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula was 57.5% [55.3,59.7] in Sierra Leone. Women aged 20-49, particularly those between 40-44 [aOR = 2.82; 95% CI: 2.13, 3.73], were more likely to be aware of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula compared to teenagers (15-19). Women with higher levels of education [aOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.49, 2.88] were more likely to be aware of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula than those without education. Working women [aOR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.56], those who listened to the radio [aOR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.30, 1.67] or used the internet [aOR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.32, 2.05], and those with a high number of lifetime births [aOR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.57, 2.54] were more likely to be aware of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. Women who had ever had sex [aOR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.73, 2.77], were pregnant [aOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.66] or had terminated a pregnancy [aOR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.59] were more likely to be aware of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. A female household head [aOR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.38] was associated with a higher likelihood of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. On the other hand, larger household sizes [aOR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.97] and living in the Western region [aOR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.75] were associated with a lower likelihood of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. Most reproductive-aged women in Sierra Leone have knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. Factors such as age, education, occupation, media exposure, parity, sexual activity, pregnancy status, abortion history, ethnicity, household structure, and geographic location influence the knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. Based on these findings, the government and partner organisations in Sierra Leone should implement comprehensive health education programs targeting reproductive-aged women, with a specific focus on obstetric fistula prevention, symptoms, and available treatment options.

Neonatal Home-Care Practices of Mothers in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State

This study investigated neonatal home-care practices of mothers in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. 398 nursing mothers participated in a longitudinal survey to evaluate the newborn home-care behaviors of mothers in Ihiala, Anambra State. For the study, newly delivered moms who gave their informed consent were progressively selected from communities in each town in Ihiala, L.G.A., Anambra State. Data was gathered from the women in their homes using a questionnaire that the researchers had devised, tested, and validated. Data collected were loaded into SPSS version 23. Data were analyzed and summarized in tables of frequencies and percentages. The study's findings demonstrated that, despite being below the specified level of 75% and above, the majority of moms received adequate cord and thermoregulatory care, with mean scores of 65.48 and 73.6%. There was still evidence of subpar neonatal care practices in the area, including the use of tooth paste (12.9%), shea butter (27.9%), and herbs (27.4%) on the cord, as well as the non-practice of exclusive breastfeeding (72.6%) and skin-to-skin care (75.6%). Neonatal practices are influenced by age, parity, education, occupation, and delivery location. Despite their high level of awareness, it was found that the mothers did not perform proper neonatal home care. To enhance neonatal care practices and empower moms to make educated decisions about their own and their child's health, it is advised that maternal education and women's empowerment be promoted.

How occupant positioning systems can be applied to help historic residences manage energy consumption: A case study in China

Historic residences often suffer from low energy efficiency due to inadequate management and obsolete infrastructure. To ensure these buildings operate in an environmentally friendly manner, intelligent energy control and management are necessary. Accurate indoor user positioning is fundamental to realizing occupant-centric controls. However, historic dwellings, with architectural heritage preservation requirements and diverse operational modes, present multiple challenges in terms of occupant monitoring and energy management. This research proposes a BLE positioning system based on the SAE-CNN algorithm to realize the analysis and prediction of occupant locations in a cost-effective and minimally-intrusive manner. The process begins by dividing spaces based on the mapped BIM model and cluster analysis. The RSSI maps of wireless signals collected from the Bluetooth beacons in each space are then preprocessed by Gaussian filter and sliding window techniques. Lastly, a machine learning algorithm refines the prediction model, which is integrated into a digital twin platform designed for energy consumption management. The system was implemented in a traditional Chinese dwelling in Wufu town, Fujian Province. The results are promising, showing that the positioning accuracy reached 1.5–2 m (95 % confidence interval), while the platform effectively presented the real-time positioning results as well as realized occupant-centric energy management. Moreover, the collected location information shed light on occupants' spatial usage habits, offering valuable insights for devising decarbonization retrofit strategies.

Energy-saving potential of fresh air management using camera-based indoor occupancy positioning system in public open space

The energy consumption of fresh air systems constitutes a significant proportion of the energy consumption of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system therefore, energy savings for fresh air handling units are essential. Typically, fresh air is supplied to a room, regardless of whether the space is occupied. Owing to the development of machine vision technology, camera-based indoor occupancy positioning systems that can provide the correct number and location of indoor occupancies have been developed. Thus, energy conservation for fresh air-handling units can be achieved by not serving vacant areas or by assuming a design load in the working zones. In this study, an occupancy position-oriented fresh air (OPFA) system is proposed to supply fresh air more directly to an occupied zone, thus conserving energy. To determine the location of indoor occupants, a stereo camera-based indoor occupancy positioning system is developed, and its accuracy is verified to be within 50 cm; furthermore, it can operate at only 30 W. To determine the annual energy consumption of the OPFA system, the positions of occupants in a classroom are monitored and recorded for 8 months. Subsequently, the typical occupancy patterns of the areas of interest are extracted via hierarchical clustering analysis. The results show that the total occupied time in the classroom is only 50.6% of the opening time. The most typical usage scenario is a self-study scenario with fewer than three persons. Therefore, typical operation strategies for a fresh air handling unit can be designed based on these typical occupancy scenarios, which can potentially conserve more than one-half of the supplied fresh air volume. The performance of the system is numerically investigated and compared with that of a conventional system. The result shows that the system reduces the total fresh air volume and energy consumption by 60.2% and 67.7%, respectively. This study offers a paradigm for efficiently reducing the energy usage of fresh air systems in multipurpose buildings based on occupancy positions to identify typical indoor occupancy patterns, thus allowing the operation strategies of ventilation systems to be optimized.

Traffic-related air pollution and Parkinson's disease in central California

BackgroundPrior studies suggested that air pollution exposure may increase the risk of Parkinson's Disease (PD). We investigated the long-term impacts of traffic-related and multiple sources of particulate air pollution on PD in central California. MethodsOur case-control analysis included 761 PD patients and 910 population controls. We assessed exposure at residential and occupational locations from 1981 to 2016, estimating annual average carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations - a traffic pollution marker - based on the California Line Source Dispersion Model, version 4. Additionally, particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations were based on a nationwide geospatial chemical transport model. Exposures were assessed as 10-year averages with a 5-year lag time prior to a PD diagnosis for cases and an interview date for controls, subsequently categorized into tertiles. Logistic regression models were used, adjusting for various factors. ResultsTraffic-related CO was associated with an increased odds ratio for PD at residences (OR for T3 vs. T1: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.10; p-trend = 0.02) and workplaces (OR for T3 vs. T1: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.22, 3.00; p-trend <0.01). PM2.5 was also positively associated with PD at residences (OR for T3 vs. T1: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.15; p-trend <0.01) and workplaces (OR for T3 vs. T1: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.21, 2.85; p-trend <0.01). Associations remained robust after additional adjustments for smoking status and pesticide exposure and were consistent across different exposure periods. ConclusionWe found that long-term modeled exposure to local traffic-related air pollution (CO) and fine particulates from multiple sources (PM2.5) at homes and workplaces in central California was associated with an increased risk of PD.

Mental Health Impacts of Climate Change Among Vulnerable Populations Globally: An Integrative Review.

Climate change has been shown to be directly linked to multiple physiological sequelae and to impact health consequences. However, the impact of climate change on mental health globally, particularly among vulnerable populations, is less well understood. To explore the mental health impacts of climate change in vulnerable populations globally. We performed an integrative literature review to identify published articles that addressed the research question: What are the mental health impacts of climate change among vulnerable populations globally? The Vulnerable Populations Conceptual Model served as a theoretical model during the review process and data synthesis. One hundred and four articles were selected for inclusion in this review after a comprehensive review of 1828 manuscripts. Articles were diverse in scope and populations addressed. Land-vulnerable persons (either due to occupation or geographic location), Indigenous persons, children, older adults, and climate migrants were among the vulnerable populations whose mental health was most impacted by climate change. The most prevalent mental health responses to climate change included solastalgia, suicidality, depression, anxiety/eco-anxiety, PTSD, substance use, insomnia, and behavioral disturbance. Mental health professionals including physicians, nurses, physician assistants and other healthcare providers have the opportunity to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change among vulnerable populations through assessment, preventative education and care. An inclusive and trauma-informed response to climate-related disasters, use of validated measures of mental health, and a long-term therapeutic relationship that extends beyond the immediate consequences of climate change-related events are approaches to successful mental health care in a climate-changing world.

Do Locations of Employment and Residence Influence whether People Use Virtual Social Networks? A Case Study of Residents in Wuhan, China

High-speed information technology development has made virtual social networking (VSN) a social interaction trend. Studies have been carried out to investigate the spatial clustering characteristics of the locations where there is online social interaction, but they have not yet concentrated on the geographic phenomenon associated with the distribution of occupational and residential locations of citizens who use VSN. According to usage statistics gathered from China Unicom for people living in the Wuhan metropolitan development area, there are geographical characteristics for the sites of employment and residence of virtual social application (VSA) users. Compared with people who live or work in the central city, suburban citizens are more willing to conduct virtual social networking, and those who are most likely to do so are concentrated in the suburbs 20–30 km from the main city. Additionally, we used geographically weighted regressions to evaluate the relationship between the density of physical social facilities and the possibility of the usage of VSAs, revealing the influence of various conventional social conveniences on the propensity to use the VSA. Residents are more inclined to engage in VSN in places where traditional social interaction is inconvenient, particularly in suburbs, indicating that VSN is an addition to traditional social interaction. Nonetheless, neither an improvement in, nor the replacement of, VSN activities is apparent in places where conventional socializing is practical. This study identified the clustering of virtual social users’ places of employment and residence in metropolitan areas and concluded that virtual social interaction offers new social channels for people who lack access to adequate physical social facilities; that is, it complements traditional social interaction. These results can deepen the understanding of the relationship between traditional social interaction and VSN. They also offer a fresh viewpoint on facility planning for the potential future creation of a more balanced and diverse social interaction environment through the joint planning of virtual and physical social facilities.

Evaluation of heating performances of different ventilation methods in an office

In this study, 12 cases were investigated in an office-layout room using experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The heating performances of four ventilation methods (i.e. mixing ventilation (MV), stratum ventilation (SV), deflection ventilation (DeV) and impinging jet ventilation (IJV)) were comprehensively compared by various evaluation indexes (i.e. predicted mean vote (PMV), draught rate (DR), vertical air temperature difference (△T), air diffusion performance index (ADPI), energy utilization coefficient (EUC), air change efficiency (ACE) and contaminant removal efficiency (CRE)). Better thermal comfort was found in rooms heated by SV and DeV. The PMV, DR and △T under SV and DeV complied with Category B of ISO 7730:2005, and the ADPI was in full compliance with the stipulation of ANSI/ASHRAE 113-2022. For the energy-saving characteristic, the targeted-occupied-zone ventilation methods (i.e. SV, DeV and IJV) can effectively deliver warm air to the occupied zone, with the EUC values higher than unity and thus providing a good potential for energy saving. SV and IJV showed slightly higher ACEs in the breathing zone. The contaminant removal effectiveness of SV, DeV and IJV was comparable. Under the combined influence of occupant thermal plumes and locations of exhausts, MV showed a high CRE. However, the CRE under MV decreased significantly when the exhausts were not above occupants. In the case of supply air parameters in this study, the entropy-weight method indicated that DeV and SV had a better overall performance for winter heating, followed by IJV and then MV.

Biomechanical study on the effect of atherosclerosis on the vulnerability of thoracic aorta, and it's role in the development of traumatic aorta injury.

Traumatic aorta injury (TAI) is the second most common traumatic cause of death preceded only by head injuries, being responsible for 5% to 30% of all mortalities in high-speed deceleration injuries. Multiple external factors might play a role such as impact speed, impact direction, occupant location, and presence or lack of restraining safety mechanism. Apart from these external factors, also human biological factors can influence its development. Based on the data of scientific literature, age clearly plays a role in suffering TAI, but the role of atherosclerosis-as a disease affecting the structure of the aorta-is unknown. Biomechanical properties of tissue samples of 104 aorta specimens removed during the autopsy from the posterior (Group 'A') and lateral wall (Group 'B') of descending aorta were analyzed. Specimens were examined by a Zwick/Roell Z5.0 biaxial tester. The Young's modulus (E (MPa)) was calculated using a linear regression procedure where the base of the elongation was the parallel length of the sample, the achieved maximal force (Fmax (N)), the elongation at the time of Fmax (Lmax (mm)), the force at the beginning of rupture (Fbreak (N)), the elongation at the time of Fbreak (Lbreak (mm)) were registered. Specimens were categorized based on macroscopic and microscopic appearance. In the posterior (A) samples the difference between Lbreak (p<0.001) and Lmax (p<0.001) was significant between the macroscopic group. Lbreak (p = 0.009) and Lmax (p = 0.003) showed similar pattern in the lateral (B) samples. Comparing the histological groups by the measured parameters (Fmax, Lmax, Fbreak, Lbreak) showed a significant difference in the means (p<0.001, p = 0.003, p<0.001 respectively). The study demonstrated that atherosclerosis decreases the resistance of the aorta. The rupture occurs at lower force (Fmax and Fbreak), and at shorter elongation (Lmax and Lbreak) in case of the presence of atherosclerosis. This effect is most substantial if calcification is present: the resistance of aorta affected by calcification is only two-thirds on average compared to aorta affected by the early phase of atherosclerosis. This phenomenon can be clearly explained by the weakening structure of the tunica intima.

Pattern of Poisoning and Fates of the Female Patients Admitted in the Medicine Wards of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital

This study aimed to investigate the pattern of poisoning and the fates of female patients admitted to the medicine wards of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. A retrospective analysis was conducted on data collected from 300 female patients. The study examined various factors, including age distribution, occupation, educational background, family structure, religious affiliation, and residential location. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the relationship between these factors and the pattern and outcomes of poisoning incidents. The results showed that the largest age group affected by poisoning incidents was between 20 and 39 years, comprising 67.7% of the population. Suicidal poisoning was the most common pattern, accounting for 95.7% of the cases. In terms of the types of poisoning, insecticides (OPC) were the most frequently reported, representing 60.0% of the incidents. Pesticides kept in the house were the primary source of poisoning, reported in 72.7% of the cases. Regarding the fates of the victims, 66.3% of the patients were completely cured, 30.0% experienced some disability, and 3.7% sadly succumbed to death. Analysis of age groups revealed that the percentage of victims completely cured was highest in the age group of 40-59 years (76.5%), while the percentage of victims cured with some disability was highest in the age group of 60+ years (71.4%). The relationship between age group and the fate of the victims was found to be statistically significant (χ2=17.49, df=6, p&lt;0.05). Moreover, the analysis showed a significant relationship between the type of poisoning and the fate of the victims (χ2=1.141, df=8, p&lt;0.001). Among different types of poisoning, insecticide (OPC) poisoning resulted in the highest percentage of complete cure (78.3%), while sedative poisoning had the lowest percentage of victims with some disability (11.8%). This study provides valuable statistical insights into the pattern of poisoning and the fates of female patients in a medical setting. The findings emphasize the need for targeted prevention strategies, early medical intervention, and comprehensive support services to improve outcomes and reduce the incidence of poisoning incidents. These results can inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and public health professionals in developing effective interventions and policies to address poisoning incidents among female patients.